Local Sport

Rutter claims eighth win at Macau

MICHAEL Rutter lead from the front as he claimed a stunning eighth win at the Macau Grand Prix.

The Dudley ace, riding for Jezac SMT Honda, dominated proceedings over a drama-packed weekend to take victory by five seconds from team-mate Martin Jessopp.

Rutter was fastest in most of the practice and qualifying sessions, which were hindered by bad weather and delays, while the first session was cut short after only ten minutes following a serious accident which resulted in the death of Luis Carreira.

Starting from pole, Rutter got off the line well and soon passed Gary Johnson to take the lead by the end of the first lap.

He didn’t look back, keeping his cool even when Jessopp began to bridge the gap with some fastest laps.

Speaking afterward, Rutter said “I'm over the moon to have gone into the record books again with win number eight; I really enjoy coming here and hope I can continue for a few more years yet.

“I'd like to thank all my loyal sponsors for supporting me this year through a tough season and I'm glad I've been able to end the season on a high and repay them for everything they have done for me.

“Now I'm looking at finalising my plans for 2013 and hope to be able to announce something soon.”

He added: “I must pass on my thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Luis Carreira who we sadly lost in the first qualifying session.

“It marred the rest of the week but as we all know in racing we have to keep strong and carry on.”